SME sector main focus for clean technology: Bohigian

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Namrata Kath Hazarika | 09 Sep, 2008
David Bohigian Assistant Secretary, US Department of Commerce has said that small and medium industries are the main focus in the drive for the cleaner energy and green industry.

"Clean energy is the sector that is gaining its importance in the global economy. In fact, 17 years ago the global economy grew by 50 dollars per capita. Last year in India in 17 months the economy grew by more than 100 dollars per capita, which is remarkable, he says.

When asked him about the about the awareness they initiate for the SME sector about Clean technology he said, "Small and medium size businesses have 70 percent of jobs in United States and 50 percent of jobs perhaps been created in the last five years for these niche segment of the industrial sector i.e the SME sector. As a former venture capitalist, I have worked with small and medium size businesses and I particularly encouraged over the last three years the 'Clean Technology' which comes in the number three category in venture capitalist in the US, just behind information technology and biotechnology."

He also said, "One thing that I have learned in helping the small and medium businesses growing in information technology, medium type player grows by 70 percent at present."

"But I believe that the small and medium size businesses in venture capital will be a part of a solution for the industry.The innovative technologies that we bring and have in the market represents today from the small and medium sized businesses," he added.

Bohigian further said, "However, the Department of Commerce particularly emphasis on working with small and medium enterprises and helping them to export in foreign land like India. So, they are really working hard to expand potential awareness for this industrial sector."

Bohigian also said that by 2025, nearly US $17 trillion will be used in clean energy technologies.

"India and the United States can be active partners in this drive towards sustainable and green industry," he said adding, "...in post-2012 framework, we should identify and work towards common goals and common responsibilities."

"The common goals should be reducing carbon intensity and poverty alleviation,” Mr Bohigian said. He reiterated that the road to a cleaner technology should be “industry led, technology driven and at the same time result oriented."

He gave the details of companies that were part of the third clean energy trade mission to India that he was heading. The 14 companies and one county had expertise and solutions for environmentally sustainable clean energy technologies cutting across sectors - from fuel efficiency in auto sector to research & development in the power sector.

In this context Atul Singh President & CEO, Coca Cola India Inc pointed out that, "It is not sufficient for large corporates to come up with innovative technology and research, so put in innovation in sustainable small and medium enterprises will help to protect and restore the environment, while creating a more prosperous society."

He further said that, "Small and medium businesses make up around 60 percent of India's GDP and employs more than 70 percent of our population. This represent a tremendous opportunity to advance innovation and sustainable green enterprises who have the potential to develop low cost solutions in the clean technologies market."

"For instance, the innovation that usually comes to mind is the lanterns. These lanterns brings about lighting in many villages where there is no or very little power supply and it helps in lighting the lights of thousands of individuals."

"The industry has to respond to the increasing strain on environment as a result of rising population by enhancing clean energy technologies," he added.